Vandergrift library director resigns unexpectedly; board seeks replacement
The Vandergrift Public Library is hiring for its top position.
Sarah Buzzard of Vandergrift is stepping down from her role as library director, and the board is accepting applications for a replacement.
Buzzard submitted a resignation letter during the Sept. 18 board meeting.
“Sarah will be missed at the library,” board member Katie Vance said. “When she delivered her letter of resignation to the board, we were surprised, but we understand that she was presented with an opportunity to further her career that was too good to pass up.”
Buzzard was hired last year.
Buzzard said she is not yet at liberty to disclose where she will be working but said it will be in a larger library in Westmoreland County.
“I’ve appreciated my time here in Vandergrift, and this was a rough decision to make,” Buzzard said.
Borough officials are enthusiastic about the prospects of a new face in leadership at the library, described as a “gem” of the community by Vandergrift Councilwoman Marilee Kessler. Kessler serves as library council representative.
“The Vandergrift Library is a very active, fun and welcoming community,” Kessler said. “A creative, organized person would find the director position to be a dream job. There’s nothing ‘stodgy’ about our library.”
Kessler praised the established youth programs at the library.
“Our ideal candidate will really enjoy this part of the job and have the challenge and reward of seeing young minds blossom,” Kessler said.
A salary is not specified in the online job posting.
Vance expressed appreciation on behalf of the board for Buzzard’s commitment to the role.
“Her dedication to programming, grant-writing and overall library operations in the last year has been greatly appreciated,” Vance said.
The library is housed next to the historic Casino Theatre in Vandergrift. It serves an underprivileged area, with job search resources, technology, free Wi-Fi and computer usage, audiobooks, e-books, summer camps, crafting pursuits such as crochet club and more.
Apply online for the director position online, here.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.